The Harambee Starlets have remained in 142nd position in the latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking, reflecting a period of stagnation for the Kenyan women’s national football team. Despite recent international activity, including a heavy defeat to Morocco, the team has not shifted in the global standings. On the African continent, they have also maintained their 24th place position.
The unchanged ranking does not come as a shock, particularly following their 5-1 loss to Morocco in an international friendly played in Tangier. The result highlighted the challenges the team faces on the international stage, especially against more established teams with stronger records.
Beldine Odemba, who continues to steer the team from the touchline, is now focusing the squad’s attention on the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Championship. This regional tournament provides the Starlets with an opportunity to bounce back from recent setbacks and prove their potential in East and Central Africa.
The Starlets’ campaign in the CECAFA Championship is set to begin on June 14 at the Azam Complex, where they will face Burundi in their opening match. The fixture marks the beginning of a tough group stage, with further matches lined up against Uganda, South Sudan, and the host nation, Tanzania. These games are expected to test the team’s depth and resilience, especially as they look to rebuild confidence and chemistry after their loss to Morocco.
Elsewhere on the continent, Nigeria remains the highest-ranked women’s national team in Africa. The Super Falcons have kept their 36th position in the global ranking and continue to set the pace for other African sides. Nigeria, a nine-time African champion, recently demonstrated their strength by defeating Cameroon 2–0 in a friendly match held in Abeokuta.
The consistency in Nigeria’s performance is a benchmark for many African nations, and their ability to remain competitive on the global scene illustrates the importance of sustained development, exposure to high-level matches, and a well-structured domestic football system.
Globally, the United States of America has held onto the top spot in the FIFA Women’s World Ranking. Their continued dominance is supported by a combination of strong infrastructure, investment in women’s football, and a deep talent pool.
As for the Harambee Starlets, the upcoming CECAFA tournament will serve as a crucial stage not just for competition but also for evaluation. It will allow the coaching staff to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses while providing players with much-needed international experience.
The next edition of the FIFA Women’s World Ranking is scheduled for release on August 7, 2025. Performances in the CECAFA Championship and any other international fixtures between now and then will play a significant role in determining any movement in the rankings for Kenya and other teams in the region.
